Distributor

[davew]

Thinking of changing distributor with modern points to one with original. There are some rebuilt on eBay. They say rebuilt etc..how do I know it will work and would i be better off buying a rebuilt from an model A supplier? Thanks, just checking here first before i do something. dave

[Fred S]

Dave, unless you want a spare distributor, you could replace the modern points in the distributor you have, with original points.

[DaWizard]

Dave, just remember that either way you go, replacing the distributor with another one will mean you will need to reset the timing on the distributor. Any time you loosen the cam screw, whether to replace the top plate with original style, or to check the connections between plates, the timing will need to be reset.

If you purchase a rebuilt distributor, it will need to be set up to work with your engine. No two engines have the drive gear installed the same, and that is what dictates the timing.

[Ed H]

Thinking of changing distributor with modern points to one with original. There are some rebuilt on eBay. They say rebuilt etc..how do I know it will work and would i be better off buying a rebuilt from an model A supplier? Thanks, just checking here first before i do something. dave

Thinking I will do the same. We had a couple of A's at a camp ground I worked for. I was forever filing and setting the new style points.

[slammin]

Most of the listings I see on eBay have modern points. I checked Berts and Steve offers both. On eBay you don't need to send a core, but Berts and the better vendors will stand behind their parts. I would buy from a trusted vendor before going the eBay route.

[davew]

Good reminder on the timing. Think I'll call Berts and see what he has. I can use the one i have as a spare.

[DaWizard]

Dave, if you set up the one you have for YOUR engine, you can swap the two out as you please because the drive gear in your engine won't change as long as you leave it in the engine. I know you've noticed that the drive tang is offset of center, this means it can only go in one way, it can't be replaced in your engine 180º out. So, set up your spare for your engine and play between the two. All it takes is unscrew the hold down screw and unscrew the shield cable and it comes out.